President Tony DiPrizio

Anthony “Tony” DiPrizio is a public servant, nonprofit leader, and martial arts instructor whose career has centered on service, leadership, and community development. With more than 18 years of experience with the City of Boston Department of Public Works, Tony brings extensive experience in municipal operations, workforce leadership, organizational management, and public service to his role as President and Executive Director of the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation.

During his career with the City of Boston, Tony was elected to the Executive Board of Boston Public Workers Union Local 445, becoming one of the youngest elected union officials in the city’s history. In that role, he represented fellow public employees and gained firsthand experience in advocacy, organizational governance, labor relations, and leadership. He also served as a Constable for the City of Melrose, further expanding his background in municipal and community service.

Tony’s leadership experience also extends into the martial arts community. As President of New England Steel Fighting, he oversaw organizational operations, safety standards, team development, training, and events across multiple states. The organization’s events were conducted in support of Barracks 22 in Taunton, helping raise awareness and support for its work with people in recovery. Through that role, Tony gained experience managing teams, organizing events, and maintaining strong safety standards while using martial arts to support the community.

Martial arts has remained a central part of Tony’s life and community work. He has spent years teaching youth judo at Pedro’s Judo Center, where he has trained under Olympian Jimmy Pedro. He continues to teach at Pedro’s while leading instruction, mentorship, and program development through the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation.

As President and Executive Director, Tony oversees the foundation’s programs, operations, community partnerships, organizational development, and long-term sustainability. His focus is on creating safe, welcoming, and affordable martial arts opportunities for children, families, and veterans, particularly those from underserved communities who may otherwise face barriers to participation.

Tony brings together decades of public service, labor leadership, martial arts experience, nonprofit management, and youth mentorship to carry forward the legacy of Muscles Unlimited. His goal is to ensure that the foundation remains accountable, sustainable, and focused on creating opportunities for future generations to build confidence, discipline, responsibility, leadership, and a lifelong connection to their community.

Vice President Levi DiFranza

Levi DiFranza is a public servant, military leader, nonprofit advocate, and instructor with more than 23 years of experience in leadership, training, operational planning, and team development. As Vice President of the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation, he supports organizational governance, program development, operational planning, and the foundation’s long-term sustainability.

Levi currently serves as the Lead Marksmanship Instructor for the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s Small Arms Readiness Training Section, where he supports training and readiness efforts across the Commonwealth. Over the course of his military career, he has served as an Infantryman and Intelligence Analyst, gaining experience in leadership, instruction, operational planning, and risk assessment in demanding environments, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Egypt.

His commitment to public service also extends to his civilian career. Levi has spent more than 16 years serving as a municipal patrolman and firearms instructor, with responsibilities involving public safety, training, professional development, and community service. He has also applied his operational and instructional experience through work in the defense industry.

Levi’s nonprofit involvement reflects that same commitment to service. From 2013 to 2018, he served as East Coast Coordinator for Heroes and Horses, supporting programs designed to assist veterans through horsemanship, outdoor experiences, and personal development. He has also remained involved with the veteran community through the Wounded Warrior Project.

As Vice President of the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation, Levi works closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen internal systems, support responsible growth, and maintain high standards of safety and accountability. His experience in military leadership, public safety, training, and nonprofit service provides the foundation with a strong operational perspective as its programs continue to grow.

Whether he is training service members, serving his community, supporting veterans, or helping guide the foundation, Levi has built his career around service, preparation, and responsibility. That experience helps Muscles Unlimited remain organized, accountable, and focused on providing meaningful opportunities for the families and veterans it serves.

Director Chuck Vallas

Chuck Vallas is an Army veteran, public servant, athlete, coach, and martial arts leader with a strong background in teamwork, discipline, and community service. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation, he helps support the organization’s growth, safety standards, and commitment to serving families and veterans.

Chuck has served his community through his work with Andover Public Works, where reliability, teamwork, and public service have been central to his career. His athletic background includes experience as both a semi-professional football player and coach, giving him firsthand experience in competitive athletics, athlete development, team building, and structured training.

Chuck also served as Vice President of New England Steel Fighting and competed as an Armored Combat Fighter. Working alongside Tony DiPrizio, he helped oversee athletes, events, training, and safety while using the organization to support a larger community mission. New England Steel Fighting’s events supported Barracks 22 in Taunton and its work providing sober housing and support for people in recovery.

As an Army veteran, Chuck has a strong personal commitment to supporting fellow veterans, including those facing the challenges of recovery and rebuilding their lives. His work through athletics and community organizations reflects his belief in giving people structure, encouragement, accountability, and a strong team around them.

Chuck’s experience in military service, public works, competitive athletics, coaching, and martial arts gives him a practical approach to leadership. At Muscles Unlimited, he helps ensure that the foundation continues to grow responsibly while providing safe programs, strong mentorship, and meaningful opportunities for children, families, and veterans.

Secretary Hailey Darling

Hailey Darling serves as Secretary of the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation and is a member of its leadership team. In this role, she helps maintain organizational records, supports board governance, assists with administrative operations, and helps ensure the foundation remains organized and accountable in carrying out its mission.

Hailey is a college student, environmental advocate, and devoted mother whose commitment to service and community engagement reflects the foundation’s core values. Her passion for conservation, sustainability, and youth development, combined with her firsthand understanding of the challenges facing modern families, provides valuable perspective to the organization’s leadership.

Her attention to detail, commitment to service, and dedication to the foundation’s goals help support effective governance and the long-term success of the organization’s programs and community initiatives.

Treasurer Benjamin Noboa

Benjamin “Ben” Noboa is a financial services professional, nonprofit leader, and martial arts instructor with more than 20 years of experience in financial services, investment operations, risk management, and organizational leadership. As Treasurer of the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation, he brings that experience to the financial oversight and long-term stability of the organization.

Ben currently serves as Assistant Vice President and Head of Alternative Investments Operations Excellence and Customer Success at John Hancock. Throughout his career, he has helped lead complex investment operations, improve organizational processes, support digital transformation, and strengthen systems for both clients and internal teams. He holds the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designation and studied at the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University.

As Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors, Ben works closely with the foundation’s leadership on budgeting, financial planning, internal controls, risk management, and the responsible use of donations and grant funding. His professional background helps ensure that the organization remains transparent, accountable, and financially prepared for continued growth.

Originally from the Dominican Republic and fluent in Spanish, Ben also plays an important role in helping the foundation connect with the communities it serves. His ability to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking students and families helps make the program more welcoming and accessible, particularly for immigrant families who may otherwise face barriers to participation.

Ben’s service extends beyond the boardroom and onto the mat. As a Judo instructor and mentor, he works directly with students of all ages, bringing patience, discipline, and encouragement to his teaching. He helps students build confidence, resilience, respect, and responsibility both on and off the mat.

Whether he is helping guide the foundation’s finances, working with families, or teaching on the mat, Ben plays an important role in keeping Muscles Unlimited strong, responsible, and connected to the community it serves.

Advisory Board Max Tassinari, MBA

Max Tassinari is a public servant, financial leader, and dedicated community advocate who brings more than 17 years of experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, fundraising, and organizational leadership to the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation Advisory Board.

Max currently serves as Director of Revenue and Debt Management for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Department of Energy Resources. He also serves as an At Large Town Councilor for the Town of Winthrop, where he provides leadership in financial planning, economic development, and capital improvement.

Max earned both his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance and Accounting from Bentley University. His extensive experience in public finance, strategic planning, nonprofit development, and government service provides valuable guidance as the foundation continues to grow and serve more families.

Outside of his professional and public service responsibilities, Max practices Judo alongside his young son. Their shared experience on the mat gives him a personal understanding of how Judo can strengthen the bond between parents and children while teaching confidence, discipline, perseverance, and respect.

Max’s commitment to family, public service, responsible leadership, and community development makes him a valuable addition to our Advisory Board.